BWW Reviews: THE FULL MONTY Sizzles At The Baldwin Theatre in Royal Oak

It may have been cold outside, but it was hot inside The Baldwin Theatre last night during their performance of The Full Monty. Six unemployed Buffalo steelworkers, low on both cash and prospects, decide to present a strip act at a local club after seeing their wives' enthusiasm for a touring company of Chippendales. As they prepare for the show, working through their fears, self-consciousness, and anxieties, they overcome their inner demons and find strength in their camaraderie. Although, the story is set in Buffalo the premise of plants closing, unemployment, and the problems that can result from these economic hardships is something that a majority of Detroiters find it easy to relate to these days.

Walking into the theatre I wasn't overly impressed by the opening set design, however as the show progressed the set became more elaborate and the scenes became more believable. The set design by Drew Hall overall was impressive and did the job of taking me from the strip clubs to the streets of Buffalo.

Having seen the Broadway production, I always have a little fear seeing another production, however this cast was phenomenal. The majority of the cast had done a great deal of community theatre in the past and it showed. They all seemed like seasoned actors, some stand out performances were Craig Nichols as Jerry Lukowski, Sara Rydzewski as Georgie Bukatinsky, and Jeff Foust as Dave Bukatinsky. The orchestra which was presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI) and directed by Matt Horn was also an extremely nice touch that you normally do not get with community theatre.

Hearing the the lyrics again definitely had a different meaning than when I saw it on Broadway in 2001. This time around they really hit home during some of the numbers such as ‘Scrap', ‘Man', and ‘Big Ass Rock' which seemed to draw a lot of laugher from the crowd who could also clearly relate to some of the lyrics and feelings being portrayed by the actors on stage.

The show may have an X rated theme, but it is full of laughs and provided a great escape from all of the real life stresses. Seeing the show would make a great girls night out, but it can also be enjoyed by by men and women of all ages. The majority of the audience both men and women alike could not stop laughing, clapping, and cheering the entire time. The show is overall a great time, I highly recommend seeing it if you want a fun night out. The Full Monty is playing at The Baldwin Theatre from now until February 7, 2010. To order tickets by phone call (248) 541-6430.

 

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